38 Creative Decorating Ideas for Old Farmhouse Ladders

Old farmhouse ladders often sit forgotten in barns and sheds. I know the struggle of wanting to preserve these charming pieces while making them useful in modern homes.

Nobody wants to throw away items with such character and history.

I’ve found simple, smart ways to turn old ladders into beautiful home decor pieces that fit any room’s style. 

In this article, I’ll share 38 creative ideas to repurpose farmhouse ladders. You’ll learn how to:

• Transform ladders into shelving units
• Create unique wall displays
• Design practical storage solutions
• Add rustic touches to modern spaces
• Turn ladders into eye-catching focal points

Each idea comes with clear steps and helpful tips to guide you.

Why Decorate Your Old Farmhouse Wooden Ladder?

I believe old wooden farmhouse ladders offer unique home decoration opportunities that many overlook.

Here’s what makes them special:

History and Character

Each old farmhouse ladder brings its own unique story into your home. I often notice how the worn spots show years of use by farmers who climbed these steps daily.

The aged wood has marks and grooves make it stand out from mass-produced items. Looking at these ladders, I see how time has shaped them into something special.

Versatility

I’ve placed these wooden ladders in bedrooms as towel racks, in kitchens as pot holders, and in living rooms as book displays.

They fit perfectly in modern homes, adding warmth to clean lines and bright spaces. What I love most is how one ladder can serve many roles – it might hold blankets in winter and plants in summer.

Cost-Effective

I find these treasures at local yard sales, often for just a few dollars. Most need only basic cleaning and maybe a fresh coat of paint to look their best, making them much cheaper than buying new furniture.

The money saved lets me spend more on other parts of my home design.

Space-Smart Solutions

Farmhouse wooden ladders help me use wall space that would otherwise go to waste. I can hang them on walls or lean them in corners to create storage without wasting valuable floor space.

When my needs change, I move the ladder to a new spot. They work especially well in small rooms where every inch counts.

Farmhouse Wooden Ladder Decorating Ideas for Living Room

1. Hanging Planters

Attach small planters to each ladder rung to create a charming vertical garden that brings greenery indoors.

• DIY Budget Range: $15 – $30
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Choose small, lightweight planters for each rung.
  • Securely hang planters with hooks or rope.
  • Opt for indoor plants that thrive in indirect light, like succulents or ivy.

2. Twinkle Lights

Wrap string lights around the ladder for a cozy, soft glow that enhances the evening ambiance.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $20
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Select warm-toned LED string lights for a soft effect.
  • Begin at the top of the ladder and wrap the lights around each rung.
  • Plug in and adjust any loose sections for an even glow.

3. Rustic Reading Nook

Turn your ladder into a rustic reading nook by adding books, cozy blankets, and personal touches for a warm, inviting space.

• DIY Budget Range: $20 – $40
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Stack a few favorite books on each rung.
  • Drape a cozy blanket or throw over the top.
  • Add small decorative items, like a candle or picture frame, to personalize.

4. Blue Accent Ladder

Paint the ladder in a soft blue tone to add a pop of color that brings farmhouse charm to your living space.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $15
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Choose a rustic blue or distressed chalk paint.
  • Sand the ladder lightly before painting.
  • Apply paint with a brush, allowing natural wood to peek through for a weathered look.

5. Cozy Cottage Corner

Place a ladder in the corner and soft elements like blankets and pillows to create a cozy corner with a true cottage feel.

• DIY Budget Range: $15 – $30
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Drape a couple of folded blankets over the ladder.
  • Add small decorative pillows on nearby rungs.
  • Place a small stool or chair next to the ladder for a complete nook setup.

6. Hang Wreaths

Display seasonal or floral wreaths on the ladder for a simple, farmhouse-inspired decoration that changes throughout the year.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $25
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Select or DIY a wreath suitable for each season.
  • Hang one wreath on each rung using hooks or twine.
  • Add a small decorative sign or ribbon to personalize.

7. Short & Stylish Farmhouse Ladder

Use a shorter ladder to add a rustic farmhouse touch to a room without taking up much space.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $20
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Find a small or half-sized ladder for compact spaces.
  • Sand down rough edges for a smooth finish.
  • Lean against a wall or in a corner and add a small decoration or draped fabric.

8. Sign Holder

Turn your ladder into a decorative sign holder by placing farmhouse or seasonal signs on each rung to welcome guests or add a personal touch.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $15
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Choose or create wooden signs with seasonal messages.
  • Lean the ladder against the wall and place a sign on each rung.
  • Use small hooks or nails to keep signs secure if needed.

9. Photo Display

Use clothespins to hang family photos from each rung on the wooden ladder, creating a nostalgic and heartwarming display.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $10
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Print or collect favorite family photos.
  • Attach photos to the rungs on the ladder using clothespins or clips.
  • Arrange by size or theme for a cohesive look.

10. Seasonal Decor

Drape seasonal garlands, like autumn leaves or Christmas greenery, over the ladder for an ever-changing decor piece.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $15
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Choose a garland for the season (e.g., pine for winter, flowers for spring).
  • Drape the garland loosely over each rung.
  • Add small ornaments or fairy lights for extra flair.

11. Ladder Shelf

Add wooden planks across the rungs to transform your ladder into a functional and decorative shelf.

• DIY Budget Range: $15 – $30
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Measure and cut wooden planks to fit across each rung.
  • Sand planks to smooth out edges before placing on rungs.
  • Use the shelves to display books, plants, or decorative items.

12. Rustic Lanterns

Hang lanterns from the rungs for a charming, vintage-inspired decoration that brings warmth to any space.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $25
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Choose lanterns with a rustic or farmhouse style.
  • Securely hang each lantern from the rungs with hooks or twine.
  • Add battery-operated candles for a safe, warm glow.

13. Blanket Display

Drape cozy blankets over the ladder rungs to create a warm, inviting look that is perfect for fall and winter.

• DIY Budget Range: $0 – $10 (if reusing blankets)
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Select blankets in colors that complement the room.
  • Fold each blanket neatly and drape over each rung.
  • Alternate colors or textures for a layered look.

14. Magazine Rack

Use the ladder to display magazines or books for a rustic, organized reading area.

• DIY Budget Range: $0 – $10
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Arrange magazines or books on each rung for easy access.
  • Stack or fan them out to create visual interest.
  • Add a small side table nearby for a complete reading nook.

Farmhouse Wooden Ladder Decorating Ideas for Kitchen

15. Pot Rack

Hang pots and pans from the ladder to give your kitchen a rustic farmhouse vibe while keeping cookware within reach.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $30
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Securely mount the ladder horizontally above a kitchen island or countertop.
  • Attach sturdy hooks to each rung for hanging pots and pans.
  • Arrange by size or color for a balanced look.

16. Tea Towel Holder

Display decorative or seasonal tea towels on the ladder rungs to bring a pop of color and charm to the kitchen.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $10
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Fold or roll tea towels neatly before draping them over each rung.
  • Use seasonal or patterned towels for added style.
  • Rotate towels regularly to keep the display fresh.

17. Spice Rack

Attach small jars to the ladder to create a convenient spice rack that’s both functional and decorative.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $20
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Place small shelves or trays on each rung to hold spice jars.
  • Label jars for easy identification and a clean look.
  • Arrange spices by color or type for an organized display.

18. Utensil Hanger

Use S-hooks on the ladder rungs to hang kitchen utensils for easy access and a touch of farmhouse charm.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $15
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Place S-hooks along the rungs to hang spoons, spatulas, and other utensils.
  • Group similar utensils together for convenience.
  • Adjust hook spacing to avoid overcrowding.

19. Herb Garden

Create a small indoor herb garden by placing pots of fresh herbs on each ladder rung or hanging them from the sides.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $25
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Select small herb pots with good drainage.
  • Place pots on each rung or use small hooks to hang them.
  • Water and prune regularly to maintain healthy herbs.

20. Apron Hanger

Hang aprons or oven mitts from the ladder rungs for an easy storage solution that keeps essentials at hand.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $10
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Drape aprons or mitts over the rungs or use hooks to hang them.
  • Arrange by color or style for a cohesive look.
  • Swap out items seasonally for a fresh kitchen decor touch.

Farmhouse Wooden Ladder Decorating Ideas for Bedroom

21. Horizontal Farmhouse Ladder Shelf

Mount a ladder horizontally on the wall to create a unique farmhouse-style shelf for small bedroom decor items.

• DIY Budget Range: $15 – $40
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Securely mount the ladder horizontally using sturdy brackets.
  • Add small decorations like picture frames, candles, or plants.
  • Space items evenly along the ladder for a balanced look.

22. Hang Your Knits

Drape knitted blankets or sweaters over the ladder rungs for a cozy, organized display.

• DIY Budget Range: $0 – $10 (if reusing knits)
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Fold knits neatly and drape over each rung.
  • Use rungs to separate different colors or textures.
  • Rotate items seasonally to keep the decor fresh.

23. A Bedside Nook

Use the ladder as a small bedside nook, displaying essentials like a book, glasses, and a small plant.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $15
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Place the ladder within arm’s reach of the bed.
  • Use lower rungs for books or a glass of water.
  • Decorate with a small plant or personal items for a homely touch.

24. Crystal Display

Showcase crystals or gemstones on the ladder for a beautiful and calming bedroom accent.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $20
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Select crystals or stones in various colors and shapes.
  • Place crystals on each rung, arranging by size or color.
  • Add a small light nearby to enhance the sparkle.

25. Shoe Storage

Use the ladder as a compact shoe storage solution for a farmhouse-style shoe display in your bedroom.

• DIY Budget Range: $0 – $15
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Place shoes on each rung, organizing by style or color.
  • Use lower rungs for daily-use shoes and higher rungs for occasional footwear.
  • Keep pairs together for easy access.

26. Add Craft Supplies

Hang small baskets with craft supplies on the ladder for organized and accessible craft storage.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $25
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Attach small baskets or containers to the rungs.
  • Store items like yarn, scissors, or brushes in each basket.
  • Label baskets if needed to keep supplies organized.

27. Sweet Dreams Nook

Turn your ladder into a “sweet dreams” nook with soothing items like lavender sachets, books, and a soft blanket.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $20
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Drape a soft blanket or scarf over a rung.
  • Add a small pouch of lavender or calming essential oils.
  • Place a favorite bedtime book or journal on the rungs for a serene setup.

28. Jewelry Display

Hang necklaces or bracelets from the ladder rungs to create a stylish, organized jewelry display that keeps pieces tangle-free.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $15
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Use S-hooks or small clips to hang jewelry on each rung.
  • Arrange by type or color for easy selection.
  • Add a small tray or dish nearby for rings or smaller items.

29. Mirror Decor

Attach a small mirror to the ladder, creating a rustic vanity station perfect for small spaces.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $25
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Securely attach a mirror to one of the ladder rungs.
  • Add a small shelf or tray on a lower rung for makeup or accessories.
  • Use surrounding rungs to hang small beauty essentials or brushes.

30. Accessories Hanger

Use the ladder to hang belts, bags, or other accessories for easy access and a tidy storage solution.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $15
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Place S-hooks or small clips on each rung.
  • Hang belts, scarves, or bags from the hooks.
  • Group items by type or size to keep everything organized.

Outdoor & Garden Farmhouse Ladder Decor Ideas

31. Garden Tool Rack

Use the ladder to hang gardening tools, making them easily accessible and adding a practical touch to your garden space.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $20
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Securely place the ladder near your garden area.
  • Use hooks or clips on the rungs to hang tools like trowels, spades, and pruners.
  • Keep frequently used tools on lower rungs for convenience.

32. Flower Pot Stand

Display potted plants or flowers on each rung for a rustic, charming garden accent that maximizes vertical space.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $30
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Select lightweight pots that fit securely on each rung.
  • Arrange by plant height, with taller plants at the bottom.
  • Rotate seasonal flowers to keep the display fresh.

33. Birdhouse Holder

Hang birdhouses from the ladder rungs to attract birds, adding a whimsical and functional element to your garden.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $25
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Attach small hooks to the rungs for hanging birdhouses.
  • Choose birdhouses with different designs or colors for variety.
  • Place the ladder in a stable, sheltered area to protect birds from wind.

34. Outdoor Light Display

Wrap the ladder with outdoor-safe string lights for a warm, inviting garden feature that looks stunning after dark.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $20
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Use weather-resistant LED string lights for durability.
  • Wrap the lights around each rung, spacing them evenly.
  • Plug into a safe outdoor outlet, or use battery-operated lights for flexibility.

Farmhouse Wooden Ladder Decorating Ideas for Bathroom

35. Towel Rack

Hang bath towels or hand towels on the ladder for a functional and decorative storage solution in the bathroom.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $15
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Fold towels neatly and drape them over each rung.
  • Arrange by size or color for a visually pleasing display.
  • Use higher rungs for decorative towels and lower ones for daily use.

36. Skincare Shelf

Place baskets or jars of skincare products on each ladder rung to keep essentials organized and within reach.

• DIY Budget Range: $10 – $25
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Attach small baskets to the rungs for holding skincare items.
  • Sort products by type (e.g., cleansers, moisturizers) in each basket.
  • Use transparent jars for a spa-like feel.

37. Bathrobe Hanger

Use the ladder to hang bathrobes or bath linens, providing easy access and adding a cozy, spa-like element.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $15
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Place hooks on rungs to hold bathrobes securely.
  • Hang bath linens or robes in an order that’s easy to grab.
  • Add a small plant or candle on the top rung for a touch of decor.

38. Mason Jars and Candles

Place mason jars and candles on each rung to create a relaxing, aromatic atmosphere in the bathroom.

• DIY Budget Range: $5 – $20
• How to Achieve This Look:
  • Use mason jars as candle holders or fill them with bath salts.
  • Arrange candles on the rungs, ensuring they’re safely positioned.
  • Add small stones or decorative sand in jars for added texture.

Wrapping It Up

Your old farmhouse ladder holds more potential than you might think. I’ve shared these ideas because I know how satisfying it feels to turn a forgotten piece into something useful and beautiful. 

Remember, you don’t need expert skills or expensive tools to start this project. The charm of farmhouse ladders lies in their imperfections and history.

Why not start with a simple display shelf?

Grab that old ladder from your barn or local flea market, gently clean it, and place it in your living room corner. Add some books, plants, or family photos.

Share your ladder makeover photos in the comments below. I’d love to see how you’ve brought new life to these classic pieces!